Researchers analyzed 2.2 million public statements from the 118th U.S. Congress to understand why politicians use divisive rhetoric despite voter preferences for civility. The study, led by Sean J. Westwood and colleagues, was published in PNAS Nexus and examines the incentives behind polarizing political communication.
American politics shows increasing polarization and divisive rhetoric even as voters consistently express preferences for civil discourse and substantive policy debate. The research sought to identify what motivates politicians to adopt inflammatory language and confrontational approaches in their public communications.